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Newport Schools Awarded Grant for Health, Literacy Initiatives

The Newport Independent School District was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Kentucky Out-of-School Alliance (KYOSA) to help the Newport community coalitions in their efforts towards improving literacy and health initiatives during out-of-school time (OST) for the children and youth of Newport.

Over a one-year period beginning Jan. 1, the mini-grant will support activities based on local needs while having a clear focus on improving children’s literacy and health.

“The goal of the community coalitions grant is to promote quality programming to address literacy and health and wellness issues experienced by children and youth in Newport,” said Lisa Rizzo, Food Service Director for the Newport Independent School District.

“We are so grateful for this grant from KYOSA because now we can focus on increasing access to OST activities in Newport’s underserved areas,” Rizzo said.

Examples of project activities could include leading local awareness campaigns, increasing accessibility to high-quality books and hosting health and fitness events for families.

“We definitely want to engage the children of course,” said Rizzo. “But the goal is to get the entire family involved. Our family nights will extend out into the community and our efforts involve the families as well.”

The district holds family night every fourth Thursday of the month. Each night, they invite the students and their families into the school for a family-style meal. They also provide a fun activity that all ages can enjoy. The activities always promote health and wellness, as well as address the importance of building literacy skills. Along with a healthy meal and a fun activity, all children in attendance will go home with a free book.